I knew I had to do something a bit special to get in the money prizes, so I was a bit nervous off the tee, putting my drive right in the trees. My second hit a branch, came up short of the green, and when my chip rolled up and went in for birdie, I started hoping for a great round. I stayed out of trouble and hit well off the tee all day. On the 9th my drive left 160m to go so I went for the green bit hit wood again. Happy to see my third stay on the back of the green, I was even happier to see my putt snake in from 8m for my second birdie.

Finally the accolade of "winner" is mine - we have to go back to the first Banditos match in 2011 for my last victory! So the celebrations were sweet and long.

In fact, the victory was made even sweeter when it became clear that I had won a fierce and ruthless battle with Ray for the spoils - even though neither of us knew much about it. I have my revenge for my matchplay semi-final defeat.

John asked me to write a few words, meaning he said less than my normal 1000 words, about the Match play competition last Sunday. Well I think we all very much enjoyed the day, the weather was good & the club hospitality excellent. I had not played there previously and was pleased to experience the little ”extras” such as hot chocolate “dingetjes” & watermelon being served by our host on a buggy during the rounds. Many thanks to John in particular for organizing the whole day. OK, with assistance from Ian & Duncan & other nameless helpers.